Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that presents differently in every person, meaning you can’t always tell when someone has autism.

Story continues below advertisement

For the Shouts, one of the hardest parts of having children with autism is dealing with public judgement.

“You can’t see autism all of the time. We could be out at a playground and our kids could look very typical and fit in with the rest,” Amy said. “Something could happen that sets them off … and it looks like poor behaviour, poor parenting, or something like that.”

“Yes, they act differently in crowds. Yes, we may have to leave an event early because of a behavioural episode, but that doesn’t mean [we] have to treat them different. They’re still kids,” Evan said.

Sharla Carr, whose son Blake also has autism, wishes people would put more effort into understanding and accepting those living with autism.

“I think it’s important for people to open their minds and gain some understanding of these children, appreciate them for who they are, and what obstacles they might be facing at that time,” Carr said.

“People are quick to judge, and that has been really difficult. I wish everyone could see [Blake] the way I see him.”